A new register of qualified architects will tighten industry standards, a national body representing the profession has said.

Only architects who meet set criteria will be listed on the register, which was welcomed today by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland.

Its president Sean O'Laoire said: "Up until now Ireland was almost unique in the absence of registration of the title 'Architect'.

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"Today is the culmination of a long and hard-fought battle to have professional standards set and so protect the public."

The register was formed under the Building Control Act 2007.

Since the Act came into force only architects who are on the register may use the title ‘architect’.

The RIAI is the official registration body and competent authority for architects in Ireland.

It has called on consumers to protect themselves by checking that their architect is registered by logging onto the new online service at www.riai.ie and checking the register.

(PR/BMcC)